Kids Are Powerful Coaches
One of my New Year's goals is to spend more time in my kids' world so I
appreciate how my own agenda conflicts with that at times and so I can
empathize with them more. If I can get to empathy, I'll be better able to get the connection I seek and become the parent I want to be. To that end, I have decided that, if I am able, I will participate in what the kids are
doing if invited.
So, my 5-year-old insists on not stepping on cracks as we walk my 7-year-old to school. In the past, he would be jumping over the cracks and I would be so nervous he would go into the street, so I would nit-pick about it. But, now, I am doing it with him, so we hold hands (safer) and jump over the cracks together (fun). This has made a HUGE difference in my 5yo's attitude about doing the walk (he is helpful and excited rather than seeking attention by dragging his feet to get out the door), AND in my OWN attitude! First, I wear sneakers rather than my heels because I know it's gonna be a workout, which is just an overall better walk experience. Second, it stirs up all that child-like playfulness we are supposed to tap into but don't because we are boring adults. And all I had to do is participate!
If you're looking for more connection with your kids, a better attitude in you and your kids, and in a lot of cases a serious workout (haha!) make your kids the activity leader and try it out!
So, my 5-year-old insists on not stepping on cracks as we walk my 7-year-old to school. In the past, he would be jumping over the cracks and I would be so nervous he would go into the street, so I would nit-pick about it. But, now, I am doing it with him, so we hold hands (safer) and jump over the cracks together (fun). This has made a HUGE difference in my 5yo's attitude about doing the walk (he is helpful and excited rather than seeking attention by dragging his feet to get out the door), AND in my OWN attitude! First, I wear sneakers rather than my heels because I know it's gonna be a workout, which is just an overall better walk experience. Second, it stirs up all that child-like playfulness we are supposed to tap into but don't because we are boring adults. And all I had to do is participate!
If you're looking for more connection with your kids, a better attitude in you and your kids, and in a lot of cases a serious workout (haha!) make your kids the activity leader and try it out!
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